The global market for burger and sausage alternatives has been experiencing tremendous growth – and is still expected to climb as more flexitarians embrace plant-based protein.

The current supply chain is still reeling from instability caused by the pandemic, resulting in a shortage of transportation, materials and labor. Consequently, food and beverage companies are feeling the direct effects of supply chain issues when planning and constructing new facilities or expanding their existing plants.

With loads of ingredients coming in, being stored, transported, processed and packaged, there are a number of ways for cross-contamination to occur at food manufacturing plants. Imagine a delivery of carrots entering a facility. 

Mondelēz announced an agreement to acquire Clif Bar, a leading U.S. maker of energy bars with organic ingredients, for $2.9 billion with additional contingent earnout consideration. 

The recently opened Shreddies Wheat Dispensary offers visitors a unique tasting experience, an opportunity to sample a variety of whole-wheat Shreddies.

Batory Foods, a national distributor of food and ingredients, has acquired Sweetener Solutions, a Savannah, Ga.-based company specializing in custom sweetener formulation, precision blending and specialty portion packaging.

The dairy industry has occasionally been criticized when it comes to the environment, and greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) are a big part of it—not only due to poor waste handling, but also the cow’s digestive system, which is known for spewing out methane (CH4), a GHG. 

While many industries struggle with economic and market challenges, a new report from CRB finds that pet food manufacturers are racing to add capacity to meet consumer demand for high-quality products, driven by “the humanization of pet food.” 

If food processors—particularly those of alternative proteins—view packaging as an afterthought, they may find it difficult to succeed in today’s market.

Nol-Tec, bulk material handling equipment and systems provider, and Appcon, provider of powder process and conveying equipment and solutions for the bulk powder processing industry, have formed a strategic partnership to provide a larger selection of bulk material handling equipment and services to food and beverage clients.